Cape HauyCape Hauy sits on the exposed southern edge of the Tasman Peninsula where high dolerite cliffs plunge into the Southern Ocean; it forms part of the coastal scenery that draws walkers to the area.
The headland lies near the coastal protected areas around Port Arthur and is closely associated with other cliff features and sea stacks that are products of marine erosion on columnar dolerite bedrock.
Visiting Cape Hauy means a cliff-top experience rather than beaches: expect narrow ridges, sheer drops and sweeping ocean views; weather can change quickly so the landscape feels very exposed even on mild days.
- Totem Pole (sea stack): The tall, slender sea stack known as the Totem Pole is visible offshore; climbing it is technical and not suitable for casual visitors.
- Dolerite cliffs and columns: Cape Hauy’s sheer dolerite cliffs and columnar rock faces provide dramatic geology and spectacular vertical scenery right above the ocean.
- Ocean vistas to Tasman Island: On clear days the headland affords long views south and east toward Tasman Island and offshore rock formations.
- Seabird and marine life watching: The cliffs and nearby stacks are good places to scan for seabirds and for glimpses of whales or dolphins offshore in season.
- Nearby sea stacks and reefs: Look along the coast to other dramatic features such as Hippolyte Rocks and adjacent bluffs that frame the coastline.
Nearby Attractions to Cape Hauy#
Best Time to Visit Cape Hauy#
Tasmania has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and cool, wet winters; spring and summer are generally the best seasons for walking and coastal visibility.
Weather & Climate near Cape Hauy#
Cape Hauy's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (822 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 11° - 18° | 15° | 58 mm | overcast | 75% | 6.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.8h |
| February | Good | 12° - 19° | 15° | 58 mm | overcast | 76% | 6.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.7h |
| March | Good | 11° - 18° | 14° | 57 mm | overcast | 77% | 5.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.2h |
| April | Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 65 mm | overcast | 78% | 5.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.7h |
| May | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 77 mm | overcast | 80% | 5.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 66 mm | overcast | 82% | 5.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 5° | 82 mm | overcast | 81% | 5.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
| August | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 85 mm | overcast | 80% | 5.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| September | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 7° | 59 mm | overcast | 78% | 5.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.6h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 67 mm | overcast | 77% | 5.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| November | Good | 9° - 15° | 12° | 71 mm | overcast | 77% | 6.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.5h |
| December | Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 77 mm | overcast | 76% | 6.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 15.2h |
How to Get to Cape Hauy#
Cape Hauy is on the southern side of the Tasman Peninsula, the nearest small historic settlement and visitor hub is the Port Arthur Historic Site; the nearest major city is Hobart.
Most visitors reach the peninsula by road from Hobart (Hobart International Airport serves the city); there is no regular intercity passenger rail service in Tasmania, so the last stretch is normally covered by car, taxi or coach services and then on foot along marked coastal tracks - check local information for access and track conditions.
Tips for Visiting Cape Hauy#
- Wear sturdy, grippy shoes - paths can be steep, rocky and slippery after rain.
- Bring windproof and warm layers because conditions on the exposed headland can be much cooler and windier than nearby towns.
- There are limited facilities at the headland itself, so carry water, snacks and any essentials before you set out.
- Keep well back from cliff edges and supervise children and dogs closely on exposed sections of the track.
- The Totem Pole is a serious sea-stack climb; enjoy it from the headland unless you are an expert climber with appropriate safety arrangements.